UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF COLD on our mindset, performance & vitality

I’ve become a convert to the cold. Being rather skeptical after seeing numerous people online getting into ice…I’ve now become a fan of cold-water therapy.

When training for my half ironman I often got into a cold bath post training to aid my recovery. Albeit around high pitched screeches. And after some deeper research I've found there have been numerous studies done that boast a heap of benefits for our mind, wellbeing and performance.

Cold therapy has been linked to a number of health benefits. Including:

? Improved sleep quality

? Increased focus (which is one of the key elements of flow)

? Boosted mitochondrial health

? Reduced inflammation

? Improved immune response

? Deeper levels of presence

I'm such a fan of cold water therapy that I've invited the awesome Nigel Beach, a certified Wim Hof trainer from Element Health to be part of another Performance and Potential Workshop on the 27th of August, that is all about tapping into your own flow and learning about the Wim Hof method. You can find out more here.

So if you are keen to reap the rewards and try cold water therapy, it is as simple as having your normal morning shower, and then at the end, turning the temperature down a bit for 20 seconds, or as long as you feel you can. I don’t recommend doing a cold shower in the evening though, unless you are purposely trying to stay awake.

BEFORE STARTING:

Please do your research to understand the health and safety associated with cold water therapy, or if you are unsure check with your health professional, so you know how it might affect you.

The other huge benefit I’ve noticed, and my clients who now swear by their cold showers, have noticed, is that when you are in the cold you can be no where else. You are there in that moment, FULLY PRESENT.

So if you have a busy mind like mine, which is sometimes hard to slow down, cold is another way to help reduce our over-active brains. Personally it makes me feel more calm, connected and in the moment.

Photo: me hanging out in an ice-bath at one of Nigel's workshops. Yes I kept my beanie on, and yes my shoulders are out of the ice. : )

ABOUT ME

I am a vitality and performance specialist who creates and delivers mindset, optimal performance and transformation programmes for ‘kicking it’ in sport, work and life.

I choose to specialise in working with high performers (athletes, executives, sports and performance coaches, teams and organsiations). My programmes blend multiple facets of optimal human performance to create changes that make the most difference in leadership, sport, work and life.

If you work with me it’s likely you’ll be:

• More than interested in stretching your potential and finding your and/ or your team’s edges and ceilings
• Someone who wants to create impactful change that sticks for the long term
• Keen to make a meaningful difference for yourself and the people you lead or impact

If you want to unearth ultimate performance for yourself or your team, alongside of boosting vitality and creating work/life blend, then we might just make the perfect team.

To learn more about my free resources and programmes check out www.joshortland.co.nz

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